Derrick Kakooza in training with a team mate (Photo by Police Fc Media)
Police football club’s forward Derrick Kakooza says it’s a dream come true to be selected for the national team after making it to the final Uganda Hippos squad.
The 18-year-old forward was included in Morley Byekwaso’s final Hippos squad ahead of their U20 Africa Cup of Nations engagement scheduled to take place in Mauritania this month.
Speaking to his club’s Media (@Police Fc Media) after making it to the final 🇺🇬Hippos squad ,Kakooza was at a loss for words but expressed gratitude and excitement for the faith shown in him by head coach Morley Byekwaso.He also revealed that he’s honoured to be part of the final Hippos team selected and says it’s another dream fulfilled.
“I really feel grateful having made it to the final squad.There are very many youths in Uganda who play football and being among the few to have made it to the final squad, feels really great and I thank God for the opportunity.”
Kakooza expressed gratitude and excitement for the faith shown in him by head coach Morley Byekwaso
The forward who missed the CECAFA Regional qualifiers is part of the Uganda Hippos squad currently in Tanzania where they will play against CECAFA Regional qualifiers runners-up Tanzania before facing COSAFA representatives Namibia in a Mini Tournament as part of their preparations ahead of the forthcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Finals that will be hosted in Mauritania in February.
But despite missing the CECAFA Regional qualifiers after failing to make it to the final squad as the Final Hippos squad for the Zonal Qualification tournament was named ,the youngster insists that he’s ready to give his all this time round as he seeks to breakthrough in a team full of exciting forwards.
“Our coaches have prepared us very well and the whole team is in good shape. I want to score goals for our team and I promise not to let it down. This is my opportunity and I will try to use it well”
The forward said as quoted by the club’s Media
Kakooza who has gone through all the stages at Police Fc right from Police Kids Academy, Police Young, Police Armless Brigade and currently with the senior side,went ahead and expressed his excitement and thanked his coach Abdallah Mubiru (@Police fc) and the entire technical team for identifying him and giving him an opportunity to play.
“Police has given me a platform to build my career and special thanks to Abdullah Mubiru and the whole technical team for the support not forgetting my teammates.Our Hippos Coaches have also prepared us well and I thank them too. Coach Morley Byekwaso and his technical team i can’t thank them enough.”
The youngster thanked his coaches, both at club and national team
Uganda Hippos are in Group A and will play against Mozambique in the first match on 15th February 2021. Their second match will be on 17th February against Cameroon before going head-to-head with the hosts Mauritania in the last group match on 20th February 2021.
Discover more from Sbk Sports Mail | Latest Sports News, Insights, and Features from Uganda, East Africa & Around the World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD
- How Namuwongo Blazers Refused to Lose: Inside a Game 7 That Needed Overtime to Decide a Champion
Two comebacks, blown leads, tactical adjustments from both benches, and enough tension to stretch across an entire season had already been spent by the time Game 7 tipped off, and still there was more basketball left to play than either side could have wanted. - Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined
With several first-team players watching from the sidelines, Entebbe UPPC must find solutions from within their available squad. - Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC at Kitende
The encounter, scheduled for 8pm and live on Sanyuka Prime TV, brings the long-awaited return of top-flight football and immediately places the defending champions under the spotlight. For Vipers, it is an opportunity to begin their pursuit of another league crown on a positive note, while Entebbe UPPC will be eager to spoil the champions' opening night. - Kawempe Muslim Set for CBE Rematch in CAFWCL Semifinal
The semifinal will provide CBE with a chance to respond after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kawempe Muslim during the group stage. The Valley Warriors already know they can overcome their Ethiopian opponents, but they will expect CBE to approach the rematch with greater determination and a different tactical plan. - KCCA Leopards Crush Stormers to Secure NBL Bronze
The Leopards produced an impressive display of attacking basketball and defensive discipline, building a commanding advantage early before responding strongly to a brief second-half revival from the Stormers.
